Waypoint honored Dr. Moira O’Neill with the Jack Lightfoot Voice for Children Award on June 18 during the organization’s 175th Anniversary Celebration at the Bedford Event Center. As the first New Hampshire Child Advocate, Dr. O’Neill was recognized for going above and beyond in her advocacy for children.
“This award honors someone who embodies what it means to be a fierce advocate for children. Someone who speaks up, shows up, and lifts up the voices of young people who need to be heard,” said Borja Alvarez de Toledo, Waypoint President and CEO, at the event with 200 supporters. “As this year’s honoree, Moira has gone above and beyond to create meaningful change, demonstrating a tireless commitment to children across New Hampshire.”
Waypoint established the Voice for Children award in 1986 to recognize a New Hampshire citizen or group who has shown an outstanding commitment to and made a tremendous difference in the lives of children and families.
Lori Weaver, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner, introduced the award and highlighted O’Neill’s critical contributions to children’s wellbeing in the Granite State.
“Moira supported community-based voluntary services, led efforts to improve child protection and juvenile justice, and introduced a critical incident review process grounded in safety science. But above all, she has been steadfast in one belief: that children must be heard. That focus helped shape important reforms, and it continues to influence how the office does its work,” said Weaver.
Before coming to New Hampshire, Dr. O’Neill spent 11 years as an Assistant Child Advocate in Connecticut’s Office of the Child Advocate. Her dissertation, Pulling Back the Curtain: State Children’s Ombudsman at Work, is nationally recognized for its in-depth examination of the history, and function of Child Advocate offices across the country. She brought that expertise and compassion to New Hampshire’s newly created Office of the Child Advocate, growing the team from one to six and establishing the office as a trusted part of the state’s child-serving system.
“It is truly an honor to be part of the 175th anniversary of an organization I deeply admire,” said Dr. O’Neill. “The creation of the Office of the Child Advocate and the progress we’ve made would not have been possible without the leadership of Borja, the Waypoint board, and their dedicated policy advocates. Congratulations to the entire Waypoint team. Here’s to another 175 years of progress for children.”
During the event, Laura Knoy, founding host of New Hampshire Public Radio’s The Exchange, emceed a question-and-answer session on the past, present, and future with Jen Stebbins Thomas, Waypoint Board Chair and Managing Director of PROCON; Tom Donovan, former Waypoint Board Chair and former Director of Charitable Trusts at the Attorney General’s Office; and Michelle Merritt, CEO of New Futures.
All three shared their admiration for Waypoint’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to its mission. They spoke about Waypoint’s unique role in New Hampshire—often stepping in to meet community needs long before government systems were in place. As Jen noted, “I’ve learned so much more from Waypoint than I’ve given.”
Alvarez de Toledo closed the evening with a message of hope. “Waypoint has stood strong for 175 years not because of buildings or programs alone, but because of the community that surrounds us. With your continued support, we can ensure the next 175 years will continue to be as impactful and transformative.”
Learn more about Waypoint’s 175th Anniversary and milestones here.
See past winners of the award here.
